J

uly 4, p. 7

Chastened by its failure to successfully negotiate a settlement in the recent border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, Indonesia has been noticeably silent on the recent explosion of tensions in the South China Sea.

Only a few months ago, Indonesia was positioning itself as an “honest broker” in the South China Sea dispute. Now it appears much more circumspect. Jakarta knows that only through wider regional discussions, which must include the US, can the quarrels be resolved.

Indonesia took up the rotating chair of ASEAN at the beginning of the year with a great sense of confidence. The largest country in the region, with a booming economy and flourishing — if messy — democracy, Jakarta saw the ASEAN chair as a good opportunity to solidify its credentials as the region’s de facto leader. (By Jessica Brown, Sydney)

Your comments:

Asians still do not realize how Western governments will only do things for their self-interests. Just look at CNN or the BBC, and other western TV stations. They project a negative image of Asia! We need to wake up and realize that inviting the US to this region will create more conflicts and war!

All we need is economic progress and peace!

Agus
Jakarta

Why do we need the US at all? Asians can handle and discuss things better than their Western counterparts. Asians don’t need any more “divide and conquer” policies of any Western governments.

We’ve had enough of colonialism and it’s time to set our future together. Besides, Asia does not need any more war caused by the US and its allies!

Brian
Sydney

It seems Indonesia is quiet and not active in its ASEAN chairmanship this year in both clashes between Cambodia and Thailand as well as the burning issue of South China Sea.

China is more aggressive. The US should play a greater role to balance powers. ASEAN countries expect Indonesia to do much more. Resolving the South China Sea problem is the top priority of ASEAN.

I do hope the ASEAN chairman can bring the issue forward at the ARF in Bali.

As an ASEAN citizen, I want a peaceful and prosperous region.

Lux
Hanoi

I agree with the author’s suggestion for Asian-initiated and US-participated diplomacy for South China Sea dispute. I may also add that Japan, Australia and India would help as contributors to dilute some of the pressure on China. Indonesia is in the best position to lead this effort.

My reasons, in addition to the author’s, are as follows:

Indonesia should look at their recent setback on Cambodia-Thailand mediation as motivation to take on the SCS with more urgency: before any conflict becomes too distorted, overtly emotional and bloody, which Philippines/Vietnam and China potentially will be. Remember, after Indonesia the ASEAN chair will rotate to Cambodia and Laos with a lot less interests and capabilities.

Asia must be united in dismissing Chinese demand for bilateral negotiation. It did not work before and is less likely to work in future as China has become a more significant economic and military power.

Since the SCS dispute involves several claimants of diverse interests and ambitions, what China may offer one will invariably be rejected by the other.

More significantly, since China assumes the SCS is a backyard pond, only international powers can force them to reconsider or bear the consequences. Presently, the best standard available is UNCLOS.

Hai Win
The US